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      Premier League club unveil ‘beautiful’ new-look training ground with games room, ice baths and state-of-the-art kitchen

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have unveiled their “beautiful” new-look training ground.Owner Evangelos Marinakis pumped in millions of pounds to revamp the facility.Nottingham Forest have unveiled their new-look training groundCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe epic games room includes sofas and pool tablesCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCBarista-style coffee is on hand for the players and staffCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe multi-million-pound update has been a major improvementCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCAnd the results are a stunning update that the players insist is “making them better”. The Nigel Doughty Academy base underwent major renovation work following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League in 2022.So much so that it looks unrecognisable from just two years ago. Forest shared a five-minute video on social media giving fans a tour of the premises. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe clip starts with manager Nuno Espirito Santo welcoming the camera crew into the building and then shows off various new aspects of the training ground.That includes plush meeting rooms, a video room decked out with comfy dugout-style branded seats, analysts’ suites kitted out with plenty of screens and a squeaky-clean changing room completed with motivational text. But the more impressive parts of the training ground facelift include the swanky recovery swimming pools, ice baths, showers and sauna.There is also a 405-square-metre open-plan gym, treatment room and physio area to ensure Forest’s players are in the best condition possible come matchday. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey revamped the canteen into a modern dining lounge with a new team of chefs and nutritionists in the state-of-the-art kitchens – plus an in-house Joe & The Juice barista coffee set-up with a red espresso machine. The club, though, have placed particular emphasis on the team culture at the training ground.Leicester’s amazing new world-class £100m training groundSo Marinakis ordered the creation of a new social and relaxation area which features sofas, pool tables and a Teqball table – although there is no golf course on site like at East Midlands rivals Leicester City’s epic £100m centre.One of the biggest improvements has been outside, though, with the Nigel Doughty Academy training pitches now an exact replica of the playing surface at their home stadium. Club captain Ryan Yates, who joined the Forest academy aged eight, insists the squad are reaping the rewards of the improved “world-class” infrastructure. Yates said: “It’s improved dramatically especially since we gained promotion to the Prem, it’s so obvious to see. “Having the barista and these small touches go a long, long way to making it feel like a proper Premier League training ground.The recovery pools look super sleekCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCPlayers will make the most of the new showersCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCNuno Espirito Santo welcomed the cameras insideCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe data gurus have their own suiteCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCWalls of screens give plenty of opportunity for analysisCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FC”The backing from the owner is massive.”You can tell going in the levels are completely different, it’s absolutely top class.”When we got promoted, the training pitches weren’t at the best standard, now they are basically identical to the City Ground which is just huge.”Training on a pitch that is immaculate every single day is really helping the lads become better players. It’s a huge investment making sure the pitches are world class.”The difference from when I first came as an eight-year-old… it’s almost unrecognisable.”Delighted Forest fans are also very excited about the transformation and flooded the YouTube video with comments.One said: “It is beautiful, thank you so much to all involved.”Another wrote: “Looks absolutely amazing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third added: “Fantastic, a world away from where we were 5-10 years ago, we are very lucky to have such an ambitious owner.”And a final user simply typed: “Love it.”The boot room is home to the players’ footwearCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCPhysios will do their treatment in the open-plan areaCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe gym is stacked with branded equipmentCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCForest’s players can pump weights with the club badge onCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCForest fans are delighted with the updateCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCThe video room has rows of comfy red seatsCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FCA new team of chefs and nutritionists are enjoying the updated kitchensCredit: YouTube/Nottingham Forest FC More

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      Man Utd ‘strike deal to send THREE stars to another of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clubs THIS WEEK’ in rarely-seen move

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has sent three Manchester United wonderkids to train with another Ineos club.The British billionaire acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in the Red Devils last December.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sent three academy players to another club he runsCredit: AlamyHabeeb Ogunneye is one of those selected to goCredit: GettyDefender Jack Kingdon has gone after leading the Under-18s to glory last seasonCredit: AlamyEthan Williams got the nod after a fine season in front of goal last termCredit: GettyRatcliffe and his chiefs are now in charge of football operations at Old Trafford.Ad they have made the decision to send three highly-rated youngsters to Lausanne.The Ineos group also run the Swiss club.Habeeb Ogunneye, Jack Kingdon and Ethan Williams travelled there today and will be involved in first-team training sessions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rarely-seen move is a “reward” for the 18-year-old trio and will help their development, claim the Manchester Evening News.Ogunneye has been on the bench for seven Premier League games but is still waiting for his debut.The right-back has caught the eye for the Under-21s this term.Kingdon signed his first pro contract in the summer and has previously trained with United’s first-team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe defender is captain of last season’s Under-18s Treble-winning side.And as for Williams, he scored 17 goals and grabbed nine assists for the young champions and he has also mixed with the senior squad before.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsLausanne were acquired by Ratcliffe in 2017 and they currently sit tenth in the Swiss Super League.French side Nice are also in his football portfolio. Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who was arrested for cock-fighting… now I’m back playing aged 43

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      AN ex-Premier League star once arrested for cock-fighting has made a shock return to football.Fabio Rochemback hung up his boots ten years ago and has spent the last decade away from the game. Fabio Rochemback has made a shock return to footballCredit: InstagramThe Brazilian spent three years at MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut he has now joined Brazilian amateur side Guarany de Xaxim on a short-term deal.The club compete in the regional Santa Catarina Championship.Rochemback captained the side to a 3-2 win on his first appearance.The 43-year-old is best remembered by the three seasons he spent at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played 91 times for the club and was part of the team that made the Uefa Cup final in 2006.The midfielder also had spells at Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.Rochemback, who was capped seven times by Brazil, was nicknamed The Cannon thanks to his trademark powerful long shots.Since retiring, he hit the headlines in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a cock-fighting ring.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnimal fighting is a crime in Brazil and the ex-player was detained by cops in a raid of an event in Rio Grande do Sul.Police said 89 roosters and £24,000 in cash was also seized that evening.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRochemback had a farm raided by the authorities six years earlier.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Moment Wojciech Szczesny says ‘I won’t tell anyone’ after Barcelona star’s chat with Cristiano Ronaldo in tunnel

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      REAL MADRID legend Cristiano Ronaldo met with new Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny backstage during the international break.Szczesny, 34, attended Poland’s Nations League clash with Portugal at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw on Saturday and watched Ronaldo and co beat his national team 3-1.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wojciech Szczesny met backstage before Poland vs PortugalCredit: X @updates_fcbarcaSzczesny revealed to Ronaldo his son is a big fan, but ‘won’t tell anybody’Credit: AFPSzczesny came out of retirement to join Barcelona, who used to be Real Madrid legend Ronaldo’s rivalsCredit: ReutersThe ex-Arsenal keeper retired from all football last season, following seven year at Juventus.However the Polish stopper incredibly made a stunning U-turn last month to sign for LaLiga giants Barcelona, following an injury to their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Szczesny still is not part of Michal Probierz’s Poland squad.But, as he gears up for a return between the sticks, he paid a visit to his former international team-mates before their marquee clash.Read More on FootballThat is where the ex-Juventus star got the chance to catch up with Portugal captain Ronaldo backstage, while flanked by his starstuck kids.The pair played together at Juventus and Szczesny was caught on camera telling the five-time Ballon d’Or winner that his son is a fan and wanted an autograph.That was when the keeper joked he “won’t tell anybody” given Barcelona and Real’s fierce rivalry.Szczesny told Ronaldo: “I play for Barcelona now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo responded: ” I know.”Szczesny continued: “But he [his son] is one of your fans. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.Szczesny reveals he was fined £34k for being 113 seconds late for training Ronaldo replied: “Unbelievable, from retirement to a big club.”Ronaldo spent nine glittering years with Real as he amassed a staggering 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 appearances while also winning two LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.The Manchester United legend left Los Blancos in 2018 for Juventus where he played with Szczesny for three years before returning to Old Trafford. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘set to snub England as his dream next manager job after Man City is revealed’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly set to snub England as his dream managerial job after Manchester City was revealed.The six-time Premier League winner has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Three Lions next summer.Pep Guardiola’s dream job has been revealed… and it’s not EnglandCredit: AFPGuardiola’s City contract is coming to an end in 2025.And FA chiefs have made him their ideal candidate to take charge once Lee Carsley’s interim reign is over.The likes of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have also been linked.But Guardiola’s proven ability to win trophies could finally turn the tide in England’s favour after several final defeats under Gareth Southgate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for the Three Lions though, it appears the Spaniard has his sights set elsewhere.According to the Star, Guardiola has one dream job of his own should his time at City come to an end.And it would mean him potentially taking on England rather than leading them.Apparently, the tactician is keen on becoming Brazil boss.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe reckons it is the most iconic job in all of world football.And after taking charge of other elite clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Guardiola is said to feel the time is right to make his next role an international one.Fans spot Pep Guardiola coaching opposition player at final whistle and claim it’s ‘because he loves football so much’Brazil have been in turmoil over the last few years, starting with Tite’s sacking after a dismal performance at the 2022 World Cup.Interim boss Fernando Diniz lasted just one year before Dorival Junior was hired in January.He’s already under pressure after Brazil were KO’d from the Copa America in the quarters this summer.While the Samba kings also lost to lowly Paraguay in September.But Dorival is expected to be in charge up to and including the 2026 World Cup.However, should he not win the competition, he will be sacked.And that would open the door for Guardiola to take charge after enjoying a year out of the game.Brazil chiefs would surely jump at the chance to make Pep their next boss, having spent several years trying and failing to poach Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans have seen fierce rivals Argentina become the dominant force in South American and world football, winning several Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup.And their revival is likely to need a manager of Guardiola’s ilk at its forefront. More

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      Arsenal suffer international break injury nightmare as Gabriel Martinelli sparks concerns with MRI scan

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      ARSENAL have suffered another injury scare ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli underwent an MRI scan on Sunday evening after complaining of pain in his right calf.Gabriel Martinelli has suffered an injury scare while on international dutyCredit: AlamyThe winger has been a key player for Arsenal in recent weeksCredit: APHe is currently on international duty with the Brazil squad, but will not feature against Peru on Tuesday night.The 23-year-old was spotted with a team doctor ahead of the World Cup qualifier.Martinelli was introduced as a late substitute during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Chile on Friday.His recent scan was understood to be precautionary.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe winger’s potential injury adds to Mikel Arteta’s list of concerns ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming trip to Bournemouth.Martin Odegaard is expected to remain unavailable due to injury.Star man Bukayo Saka also suffered a scare while on international duty.The winger was forced off during England’s match against Greece on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBukayo Saka was forced off against Greece on ThursdayCredit: PAHe subsequently had to withdraw from the squad as a precaution.However, his knock is not thought to be a serious concern.Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryEngland interim boss Lee Carsley said: “Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him.”He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”Arsenal will look to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season against Bournemouth on Saturday.They currently sit third in the table, just one point adrift of leaders Liverpool and level with Manchester City. More

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      Liverpool sent a private jet to sign me and Klopp called me a mix of Fabregas and Gundogan – but I turned him down

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      NOT many players can say Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all wanted to sign them – but Piotr Zielinski can.From the VIP treatment at Jurgen Klopp’s house to Bruno Fernandes begging him to move to Old Trafford, the midfielder is used to a convincing sales pitch.Piotr Zielinski was wanted by a host of Premier League clubsCredit: RexJurgen Klopp flew him to Liverpool on a private jetCredit: PABut despite several chances to move to the Premier League, Zielinski has always felt his home was in Italy.The Poland star was just 14 when Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool were keen on him.But he did not want to leave his homeland and decided to stay put.Eventually, he went to Udinese in 2011 and Serie A has been his playground ever since.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old joined Napoli five years later and went on to play 364 times for the club, winning the league title there in the 2022/23 season.He joined Inter Milan in the summer – but some of the world’s biggest clubs chased his signature during his time in Udine and Naples.He told the Foot Truck podcast: “At one time, Fernandes wanted me to end up at Manchester United. “We are still in touch and we talk quite often. We played together at Udinese and in one of the matches we practically single-handedly beat Milan.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Liverpool sent a private jet to Florence for me and I flew with my agent Bartlomiej Bolek.”We drove up to Klopp’s house afterwards, we had a great conversation. It was the first time I had flown like that. How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-Arnold”He said that for him I was a mix of Ilkay Gundogan and Cesc Fabregas.”We watched a Premier League match at his place on his giant TV, I had never seen anything like that either.”Arsenal and Barcelona were also once interested, with his move to Spain not materialising because Napoli demanded players in a swap deal.And when his contract running down in 2022, West Ham tried to sign him before they ended up with Lucas Paqueta.Zielinski revealed: “It was also close, Napoli were already convinced about the offer, they threw in £30million.”They were already looking around for medical care for my wife and child and where I was going to live.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Luciano Spalletti took me aside and asked me what was going on and I said I would rather stay to fight for the title. “He said I want you to stay and I stayed because I did not really feel London either.” More

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      Former Man Utd star Darron Gibson ‘bit chunks out of his tongue’ in terrifying seizure that almost killed him

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      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson bit chunks out of his tongue during a terrifying seizure that almost killed him.But the shocking ordeal prompted him to open up on his mental health struggles – and ultimately save his life. Danielle Gibson thought her footballer husband Darron had died after a seizure at homeCredit: GettyThe ex-Ireland international, 36, was watching the Manchester derby at home three years ago.But things took a horrifying twist which left Gibson’s wife Danielle thinking he was dead.She told The Sunday Times: “He had gone so stiff and the sweat was dripping from him and he was biting chunks out of his tongue.“I was trying to stop him doing that, but I couldn’t lift him. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”His body was so wet and his eyes were like a roulette machine, they were whirring around so fast.“It lasted about three minutes and then there was a stillness.”His lips turned blue and I thought he had died.”I just thought, in a really sad way, that whatever demons he has been living with, he is at peace now.”Most read in FootballGibson was rushed to hospital in Manchester.He had two days under careful watch from doctors and underwent various tests. Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ But Gibson was well aware of what had caused the seizure after getting addicted to sleeping pills.The reliance on the prescription medication Zopiclone was triggered following a leg break.The injury in October 2020 during his stint with Salford City ultimately ended his playing career after 245 club appearances for United, Royal Antwerp, Wolves, Everton, Sunderland, Wigan and Salford. The 2010-11 Premier League winner – whose other struggles included childhood bullying and twice being banned from driving following crashes while over the alcohol limit – said: “They were doing brain scans and epilepsy scans.“I knew deep down what happened but I was too embarrassed to tell them.”Finally I said, ‘Listen, it’s not that.’ I had taken 12 sleeping tablets the night before and about six more before I sat down to watch the match.“If you have got the money and the connections you can get whatever [medication] you want.”How to get help with alcohol and drug abuseAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)0800 9177 650help@aamail.orgalcoholics-anonymous.org.ukHelp and support for anyone with alcohol problems.Club Drug Clinic020 3317 3000clubdrugclinic.cnwl.nhs.ukInformation and support for people worried about their use of recreational drugs.The brave confessions to Danielle led to a strict ultimatum – either he handed over the pills or he would lose his wife and children.Danielle added: “I was expecting him to give me a packet of sleeping tablets.“He brought out a plastic carrier bag and just said, ‘There you go.’”In the short term, the sacrifice took its toll on his sleep.But Gibson knows now it was definitely the right decision – because he believes he would no longer be here otherwise. He continued: “I didn’t sleep for a month. Literally I could not get to sleep. “I was going to bed, just lying there thinking ‘F***,’ but I knew I had to do it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was grey. I looked horrific.”I would be dead. If I hadn’t had the seizure, I possibly would not be here now, I was taking that many of them.”Gibson came through at Manchester United and played 60 times for the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport More